First Ever NADB-Funded Clean Energy Project Goes to Pollutech
International

January 2003 --

Pollutech International Limited was awarded a contract with the
North American Development Bank (NADB)to undertake a technical and
financial review for a project reducing environmental emissions at a Texas sugar
processing facility. The industrial assignment was the first of its kind for the
NADB, which typically finances infrastructure projects. Thanks to a timely lead
from the Canadian Consulate in Dallas. Pollutech won the contract based on its
experience with a similar air quality project in Nicaragua.

Pollutech specializes in the management and financial analysis of
international projects in the fields of environmental engineering, chemistry and
biology. Active in more than a dozen countries, the Oakville-based company
maintains close contact with Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) staff at Canadian
embassies and consulates worldwide. "We routinely send TCS e_mails to
advise them of the types of projects we are interested in and to obtain feedback
about opportunities that have been brought to our attention," says Richard
Laughton, company President. Pollutech also participates in major industry trade
shows and conferences, such as Globe and Americana, where Richard makes a point
of touching base with representatives of the TCS and other IFIs, including the
NADB. It was the company’s strategy of maintaining high visibility with these
key players that paved the way to the Texas contract.

When George Shannon, Consul and Senior Trade at the Canadian Consulate in
Dallas, heard that the NADB was looking for an environmental consultant,
Pollutech immediately came to mind, as he knew of the company’s similar
experience in Latin America and of its close association with the IFIs.
"George wasted no time in passing the ball to us; we grabbed it and
ran," says Richard. In June, 2002, Pollutech arranged a visit to the NADB
offices in San Antonio to follow up directly on this unique opportunity. The
NADB was excited to see that a Canadian company had taken the initiative and
welcomed the Pollutech representative with "open arms and good old Texas
hospitality." By October, negotiations were underway and in December, the
contract was signed.

When asked what made landing the contract possible, Richard does not hesitate
to credit TCS. "Our hats are off to the incredible effort they put
forth," he says. "I will forever treasure that business card that
George handed me at Globe 2002 in Vancouver with the note scribbled on the back.
But this is only one instance of how TCS has contributed to our international
growth. Trade officers are there to help and to promote Canadians who offer
services to international clients. Where else can you find sales people that you
have already paid for through your taxes?"

Of course, Pollutech’s qualifications—not to mention perseverance—also
had a part to play in securing the contract. "Once the link had been made
with the people at NADB, we were able to convince them that our company was
right for the job," explains Richard. "Firstly, as Canadians, we could
provide a completely independent evaluation of the project, because we have no
ties to either American or Mexican interests." Created under the auspices
of NAFTA, NADB is capitalized in equal parts by the United States and Mexico for
the purpose of financing environmental infrastructure projects along their
common border. "We also have experience working with sugar mills, bagasse
fired boilers and molasses by_products, as well as the capability to provide not
only a technical analysis, but also a financial evaluation of the
alternatives."

Pollutech sees this project as the beginning of a long term relationship with
the NADB. In fact, a second opportunity has already arisen and a third prospect
is under discussion, this time on the California-Mexico border. Pollutech has
introduced other Canadian firms to opportunities with the NADB, and a team has
since been assembled, and a proposal submitted, for the second potential
project.

For companies that are considering bidding on IFI-funded projects, Richard
has some salient advice. "You don’t need to be registered, but it doesn't
hurt to get on the list and make yourself known." Pollutech is registered
with the WB (World Bank), the IADB (Inter American Development Bank), the ADB
(Asian Development Bank), the CDB (Caribbean Development Bank) and the EBRD
(European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). "When you fill out the
registration forms, use Canadian project examples if you haven't done any
international work but go back and update the forms after you have actually
completed a few international projects." Richard also cites the importance
of participating in trade missions, getting listed on the many databases
available such as WIN
Exports and membership in trade association such as the Ontario
Environment Industry Association and the Canadian
Manufacturers and Exporters. "However, it is the interaction
that results from joining these associations that is the real key to
success," suggests Richard. "It’s not enough to just be a member,
you need to be a participant. For Pollutech, this type of networking has led not
only to places on many international teams bidding on projects, but also to
opportunities in Canada."

Pollutech is a member of Trade Team Canada Environment (TTCE) and an avid
supporter of the Trade Commissioner Service. The company also hosts the Project
Finance Cluster, which provides assistance to Canadian
exporters in the environment sector.